CA2842692A1 - Apparatus for use in drying grain - Google Patents

Apparatus for use in drying grain Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2842692A1
CA2842692A1 CA2842692A CA2842692A CA2842692A1 CA 2842692 A1 CA2842692 A1 CA 2842692A1 CA 2842692 A CA2842692 A CA 2842692A CA 2842692 A CA2842692 A CA 2842692A CA 2842692 A1 CA2842692 A1 CA 2842692A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
container
arrangement
air inlet
air
grain
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA2842692A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Werner Sybrand SWART
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
DRYLOBAG INTERNATIONAL Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
DRYLOBAG INTERNATIONAL Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by DRYLOBAG INTERNATIONAL Pty Ltd filed Critical DRYLOBAG INTERNATIONAL Pty Ltd
Publication of CA2842692A1 publication Critical patent/CA2842692A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26DRYING
    • F26BDRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B21/00Arrangements or duct systems, e.g. in combination with pallet boxes, for supplying and controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects
    • F26B21/004Nozzle assemblies; Air knives; Air distributors; Blow boxes
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26DRYING
    • F26BDRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B9/00Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitation; Domestic airing cupboards
    • F26B9/006Removable covering devices, e.g. pliable or flexible
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26DRYING
    • F26BDRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B2200/00Drying processes and machines for solid materials characterised by the specific requirements of the drying good
    • F26B2200/06Grains, e.g. cereals, wheat, rice, corn

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus for use in the drying of grain and more particularly but not exclusively, to a grain storage bag having grain drying capabilities. The apparatus comprises an elongate flexible container having an air inlet arrangement and an air outlet arrangement, with the air inlet arrangement being in flow communication with the air outlet arrangement through an internal volume of the container. The apparatus also includes fluid displacement means for causing airflow from the air inlet arrangement to the air outlet arrangement.

Description

APPARATUS FOR USE IN DRYING GRAIN
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
THIS invention relates to an apparatus for use in the drying of grain and more particularly but not exclusively, to a grain storage bag having grain drying capabilities.
In the specification the term grain should be interpreted to include a variety of harvested crops that are found in agriculture, including but not limited to cereal grains, grain legumes and oilseeds.
Grain drying, as used in this specification, refers to the removal of some of the moisture from grain by mechanically moving air through the grain after it has been harvested. Grain in the field dries naturally as the crop matures, giving up moisture to the air until the grain moisture is in equilibrium with the moisture in the air. However, grain often needs to be dried even further after harvesting before it can be delivered to the market. If no drying facility is available the harvesting process may come to a standstill, which in turn adversely influences production cost and the planting of a next batch of crop.
A number of grain drying methods and apparatuses have been proposed in the past, and include drying floors, bin-type dryers, drying wagons and drying cribs and solar dryers. However, these methods all have disadvantages associated therewith, including the high capital cost of the drying facilities, the complicated nature of some of the drying facilities, and the limited control associated with some of the drying facilities.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for use in drying grain that will, at least partially, alleviate the above disadvantages.
It is also an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for drying grain which will be a useful alternative to existing grain drying facilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for use in drying grain, the apparatus including:
an elongate flexible container suitable for receiving grain, the container being at least partially sealable once grain has been introduced therein;
the container having an air inlet arrangement, and an air outlet arrangement, with the air inlet arrangement being in flow communication with the air outlet arrangement through an internal volume of the container; and fluid displacement means for facilitating airflow from the air inlet arrangement to the air outlet arrangement.
There is provided for the flexible container to be in the form of an elongate cylindrical container, and for the air inlet arrangement and the air outlet arrangement to be located towards opposing sides of the container.
The air inlet arrangement may be in the form of a header that extends adjacent a side of the container, the header having at least one inlet that is in flow communication with the fluid displacement means, and a plurality of outlets that are in flow communication with the internal volume of the container.
Preferably, a longitudinal axis of the elongate container is horizontal, and the header is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container.
The air inlet arrangement may be located at a distal zone of the header, and may alternatively be located at a proximal zone of the header. There is also provided for the air inlet arrangement to include a plurality of inlets.
The outlets of the air inlet arrangement may be defined by a plurality of apertures in the header that overlie corresponding apertures in the sidewall of the container.
The air outlet arrangement may be in the form of a plurality of apertures provided in a sidewall of the container opposite the sidewall where the inlet arrangement is located.
In another embodiment, the air outlet arrangement may be in the form of a collecting header that extends adjacent a side of the container opposite the side where the air inlet arrangement is located, the header having a plurality of inlets which are in flow communication with the internal volume of the container, and an outlet which is in flow communication with the environment. The inlets of the air outlet arrangement may be defined by a plurality of apertures in the header that overlie corresponding apertures in the sidewall of the container.
There is provided for the container to be in the form of an elongate bag, and more particularly a polymeric silo bag.
The air displacement means is preferably in the form of a fan.
A heater may also be provided to heat the air being displaced into the container.
A further embodiment of the invention provided for the air inlet arrangement to be in the form of a plurality of air inlet pipes extending longitudinally into the container, and for the air -outlet arrangement to be defined by one or more apertures provided in an upper wall of the container.
The air inlet pipes may include apertures in sidewalls thereof, which apertures are in flow communication with an internal volume of the container. Open ends of the pipes may be in flow communication with a fluid displacement means.
A still further embodiment of the invention provides for the air inlet arrangement to be in the form of a plurality of air supply pockets located below the container, the air supply pockets having inlets that are in flow communication with a fluid displacement means, and outlets that are in flow communication with an internal volume of the container.
Inflatable lifting pockets may be provided in-between air supply pockets, and will serve to displace the bottom wall of the container upwardly.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of drying grain, the method including:
providing an elongate flexible container suitable for receiving grain, the container being at least partially sealable once grain has been introduced therein, and the container having an air inlet arrangement, and an air outlet arrangement, with the air inlet arrangement being in flow communication with the air outlet arrangement through an internal volume of the container;
filling the container with grain; and inducing airflow from the air inlet arrangement to the air outlet arrangement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the invention is described by way of a non-limiting example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional end view of the apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of the apparatus of Figure 1; and Figures 3a to 3c are schematic illustrations of a number of alternative inlet configurations for the apparatus of Figures1 and 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like features, a non-limiting example of an apparatus for drying grain in accordance with the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 10 comprises a container 20, which is in the form of an elongate flexible bag, which is made of a suitable polymeric material. The container is similar to storage bags already known in the trade, and which are sometimes referred to as silo bags. The detail design of the bag, as well as the loading and unloading of theses bags are not relevant to the invention.
The container 20 is cylindrical in nature, and comprises a continuous sidewall. For the purposes of clarity, reference will however be made to a first end 21, a second end 22, a first sidewall 23, a second sidewall 24, a bottom wall 25 and an upper wall 26. The container differs from similar containers found in industry, in that a plurality of inlet apertures 27 are provided in the first sidewall 23, and a plurality of outlet apertures 28 are provided in the second sidewall 24. The apertures on each side is aligned in a linear configuration, and a centerline through the apertures are generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container.
An air inlet arrangement 30 is provided adjacent the first sidewall 23 of the container 20. The air inlet arrangement 30 is in the form of an elongate tubular header 31 that extends along at least part of the length of the container 10. The header 31 has at least one inlet 32 which is in flow communication with a fluid displacement means 50, which is typically in the form of a fan. The inlet(s) can be closed off when there is no air flow through the system, so as to prevent the unwanted ingress of moisture and contaminants. The inlet configuration may differ, and is described in more detail below. A plurality of outlets 33 are provided in a sidewall of the header 31, and are configured and dimensioned to overlie the inlet apertures 27 provided in the container, thus bringing the header in flow communication with an internal volume of the container 10.
An air outlet arrangement 40 is provided adjacent the second sidewall 24 of the container 20. The air outlet arrangement 40 is also in the form of an elongate tubular header 41 that extends along at least part of the length of the container 10. The header 41 has at least one outlet 42 which is in flow communication with the environment. The outlet(s) can be closed off when there is no air flow through the system, so as to prevent the unwanted ingress of moisture and contaminants. A plurality of inlets 43 are provided in a sidewall of the header 41, and are configured and dimensioned to overlie the outlet apertures 28 provided in the container, thus bringing the header in flow communication with an internal volume of the container 10.
In use, the container 10 will be loaded with grain 11 to be dried and stored.
The inlet 32 of the air inlet arrangement 30 will be opened, as will the outlet 42 of the air outlet arrangement 40, so as to define a flow passage from the air inlet arrangement 30 through the internal volume of the container 20 and into the outlet arrangement 40. When the fan 50 is activated, dry air will be forced through the container 20, and more particularly will be forced past the grain 11 inside the container. The air may be ambient air, but may also be heated by way of a heater (not shown). The air flow will result in the removal of moisture from the grain in a convective manner. Once a desired dryness has been achieved the fan 50 will be stopped, and the inlet 32 of the inlet arrangement 30, as well as the outlet 42 of the outlet arrangement 40 will be closed.
A number of inlet configurations are shown in Figures 3a to 3c, and entails an inlet at one distal end (Figure 3a), an inlet at a proximal zone (Figure 3b) which will also entail the use of a distribution plenum 51, and a plurality of inlets along the length of the header (figure 3c).
In is envisaged that the container may first be filled with grain, and that the air inlet arrangements will only be mounted on and secured to the container after the container has been filled with grain.
It is foreseen that other configurations may also be used to achieve the same result, which is to dry grains in an elongate flexible container. For example, the inlet arrangement may be in the form of a plurality of perforated pipes that extends longitudinally into the container, and which are located towards a bottom zone of the container. In this case the outlet arrangement will be at the top of the container, resulting in air flow in a vertical, upwardly direction. In a further example, the inlet arrangement may be in the form of a number of air supply pockets located immediately below the container, and which supply air through apertures in the container that corresponds with openings in the air supply pockets. In this embodiment it will be necessary to lift the bag and its contents in order to prevent the air supply pockets from collapsing, and lifting pockets will therefore be provided. The lifting pockets will not have outlets, thus enabling them to be inflated and to act as lifting cushions.
It will be appreciated that the above is only one embodiment of the invention and that there may be many variations without departing from the spirit and/or the scope of the invention.

Claims (16)

1. An apparatus for use in drying grain, the apparatus including.
an elongate flexible container suitable for receiving grain, the container being at least partially sealable once grain has been introduced therein;
the container having an air inlet arrangement, and an air outlet arrangement, with the air inlet arrangement being in flow communication with the air outlet arrangement through an internal volume of the container; and fluid displacement means for facilitating airflow from the air inlet arrangement to the air outlet arrangement.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the flexible container is in the form of an elongate cylindrical container, and in which the air inlet arrangement and the air outlet arrangement are located towards opposing sides of the container.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2 in which the air inlet arrangement is in the form of a header that extends adjacent a side of the container, the header having at least one inlet that is in flow communication with the fluid displacement means, and a plurality of outlets that are in flow communication with an internal volume of the container.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 in which a longitudinal axis of the elongate container is horizontal, and the header is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 or claim 4 in which the outlets of the air inlet arrangement are defined by a plurality of apertures in the header that overlie corresponding apertures in the sidewall of the container.
6. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims in which the air outlet arrangement is in the form of a collecting header that extends adjacent a side of the container opposite the side where the air inlet arrangement is located, the header having a plurality of inlets which are in flow communication with the internal volume of the container, and an outlet which is in flow communication with the environment.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 in which the container is in the form of an elongate flexible bag.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which the container is in the form of a polymeric silo bag.
9. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims in which the fluid displacement means is in the form of a fan.
10. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims including a heater for heating the air being displaced into the container.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the air inlet arrangement is in the form of a plurality of air inlet pipes extending longitudinally into the container, and in which the air outlet arrangement is defined by one or more apertures provided in an upper wall of the container.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 in which the air inlet pipes include apertures in sidewalls thereof, which apertures are in flow communication with an internal volume of the container.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the air inlet arrangement is in the form of a plurality of air supply pockets located below the container, the air supply pockets having inlets that are in flow communication with a fluid displacement means, and outlets that are in flow communication with an internal volume of the container.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 in which inflatable lifting pockets are provided in-between air supply pockets, and serve to displace the bottom wall of the container upwardly.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.
16. A method of drying grain including the steps of:
providing an elongate flexible container suitable for receiving grain, the container being at least partially sealable once grain has been introduced therein, the container having an air inlet arrangement, and an air outlet arrangement, with the air inlet arrangement being in flow communication with the air outlet arrangement through an internal volume of the container;
filling the container with grain; and inducing airflow from the air inlet arrangement to the air outlet arrangement.
CA2842692A 2011-05-20 2012-03-27 Apparatus for use in drying grain Abandoned CA2842692A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2011/03702 2011-05-20
ZA201103702 2011-05-20
PCT/IB2012/051445 WO2012160451A1 (en) 2011-05-20 2012-03-27 Apparatus for use in drying grain

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2842692A1 true CA2842692A1 (en) 2012-11-29

Family

ID=47216672

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2842692A Abandoned CA2842692A1 (en) 2011-05-20 2012-03-27 Apparatus for use in drying grain

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US9389017B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2710316A4 (en)
CN (1) CN103842754B (en)
BR (1) BR112013034010A2 (en)
CA (1) CA2842692A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2012160451A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2710316A4 (en) * 2011-05-20 2015-02-18 Drylobag Internat Pty Ltd Apparatus for use in drying grain
AU2016336717A1 (en) * 2015-10-09 2018-04-19 Casparus BRESLER Silo for grain
FR3053772B1 (en) * 2016-07-08 2019-07-19 Fege IMPROVED INDUSTRIAL DRYER FOR PLASTIC POCKETS
CN111076502A (en) * 2018-10-22 2020-04-28 北京银星宇科技开发有限公司 Drying equipment using sealed soft capsules as drying chamber
CN111238180B (en) * 2020-04-01 2021-08-24 湖南尚威新能源环保有限公司 Drying device

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US5297377A (en) * 1992-07-13 1994-03-29 Cullen Steven R Density control means for an agricultural feed bagging machine
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BG611Y1 (en) * 1998-01-13 2003-05-30 "Устрем" ООД Machine for the collection of cereal crops
SE512324C2 (en) * 1998-05-27 2000-02-28 Bo Gustafsson Moisture absorbing device
JP2002098477A (en) * 2000-09-25 2002-04-05 Takashi Abe Blower for preventing sweating of grain from harvesting time of unhulled rice, barley, soybean, and the like until charging time of the same into drier
FR2828989A1 (en) 2001-08-31 2003-03-07 Jean Marie Courtois Temporary grain store comprises base fitted with air nozzles, side wall and cover sheet, tubes mounted in top of cover allowing air to escape
US6911340B1 (en) 2002-12-11 2005-06-28 Src Innovations, Llc Method and means for composting organic material by natural draft
WO2006028572A2 (en) * 2004-09-02 2006-03-16 Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. Killing insect pests inside wood by vacuum dehydration
JP2008180489A (en) * 2006-12-28 2008-08-07 Tonamino Nogyo Kyodo Kumiai Flexible container and drying method using the same
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JP5201406B2 (en) * 2008-09-19 2013-06-05 株式会社サタケ Cereal drying method and cereal dryer
EP2710316A4 (en) * 2011-05-20 2015-02-18 Drylobag Internat Pty Ltd Apparatus for use in drying grain
CN102716854A (en) * 2012-06-27 2012-10-10 山东亿恺仓储工程有限公司 Grain winnowing and stone and impurity removing separator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US9389017B2 (en) 2016-07-12
EP2710316A4 (en) 2015-02-18
EP2710316A1 (en) 2014-03-26
BR112013034010A2 (en) 2017-02-07
WO2012160451A8 (en) 2013-01-31
CN103842754A (en) 2014-06-04
CN103842754B (en) 2016-10-26
WO2012160451A1 (en) 2012-11-29
US20140223764A1 (en) 2014-08-14

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request

Effective date: 20170314

FZDE Discontinued

Effective date: 20190327